Our initial consultations are free and typically last 30 to 60 minutes. The more prepared you are, the more specific and useful our conversation will be. Below you'll find preparation guidance for each of our practice areas. You don't need to have everything on these lists — they're meant to help you think through your situation, not to overwhelm you.
Estate Planning
If you're creating a new estate plan or updating an existing one, it helps to think through the following before we meet:
What to Think About
- Who should make financial decisions for you if you become incapacitated? Who is the backup?
- Who should make medical decisions for you? Do you have strong feelings about end-of-life care?
- Who should receive your assets when you pass? In what proportions?
- If you have minor children, who should raise them if something happens to both parents?
- Do any beneficiaries have special needs, addiction issues, or financial immaturity that might require a trust?
- Do you own a business that needs a succession plan?
- Have there been any recent life changes — marriage, divorce, birth, death, retirement, or significant asset changes?
What to Bring (If Available)
- Any existing wills, trusts, or powers of attorney
- A list of your assets: real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, life insurance
- Beneficiary designation forms (retirement accounts, life insurance, payable-on-death accounts)
- Deeds to any real property you own
- Full legal names and dates of birth for your spouse, children, and anyone you want to name as an agent, executor, or beneficiary
Probate & Estate Administration
If a family member has passed and you need help administering their estate, here's what will help us get started:
What to Think About
- Do you know if there is a will? If so, where is the original?
- Has anyone been named as executor or personal representative?
- What county did the decedent live in at the time of death?
- Are there any known debts, liens, or pending lawsuits?
- Are there family disputes or potential will contests you're aware of?
What to Bring (If Available)
- The original will (if one exists)
- Death certificate (or funeral home information if not yet issued)
- A list of the decedent's assets: real estate, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, life insurance
- Most recent statements for financial accounts
- The decedent's Social Security number and date of birth
- Names and contact information for all known beneficiaries and heirs
- Any correspondence from creditors, financial institutions, or government agencies
Real Estate
Whether you're buying, selling, or need help with a property matter, the following will help us understand your situation:
What to Think About
- Is this a purchase, sale, refinance, or property transfer?
- Is it residential or commercial?
- Do you have an agreement of sale, or are you still in negotiations?
- Are you working with a real estate agent, or is this a for-sale-by-owner transaction?
- Is the property part of an estate, trust, or business entity?
- Are there any known title issues, liens, or boundary disputes?
What to Bring (If Available)
- The agreement of sale (if signed)
- The property address and tax parcel number
- Your mortgage pre-approval or lender contact information
- Any existing surveys, title reports, or prior title insurance policies
- If selling: the current deed and mortgage payoff information
Business Formation & Services
If you're starting a business or need legal help with an existing one, thinking through these questions ahead of time will make our conversation more productive:
What to Think About
- What type of business are you starting, and how many owners will there be?
- How will ownership, profits, and decision-making be divided?
- Will any owners be passive investors, or will everyone be actively involved?
- What happens if an owner wants to leave, becomes disabled, or passes away?
- Do you have employees or plan to hire?
- Have you spoken with a CPA about entity type and tax elections (LLC vs. S-Corp, etc.)?
What to Bring (If Available)
- Any existing operating agreements, bylaws, or partnership agreements
- Articles of incorporation or organization (if already filed)
- EIN confirmation letter
- Any contracts, leases, or vendor agreements you need reviewed
- Names and ownership percentages of all owners/members
Elder Law & Medicaid Planning
If you're planning for long-term care or helping an aging parent, the more financial information you can gather, the better advice we can provide:
What to Think About
- Is there an immediate need for care (nursing home, assisted living), or are you planning ahead?
- Does the person have an existing estate plan, power of attorney, or healthcare directive?
- Has there been any gifting or transfer of assets in the last five years?
- Is the person currently receiving any government benefits (Medicare, Medicaid, VA)?
- Are there family members who can serve as caregivers, or is professional care needed?
What to Bring (If Available)
- The most recent statements for all financial accounts (bank, investment, retirement)
- Income documentation: Social Security, pension, annuity statements
- Insurance policies: long-term care, life insurance, health insurance cards
- Real estate deeds and mortgage information
- Any existing estate planning documents (will, trust, POA, healthcare directive)
- Monthly expense estimates (mortgage/rent, utilities, medications, care costs)
- Veterans: DD-214 discharge papers (if applicable)
Ready to Schedule?
You don't need to have everything on these lists before we meet — they're here to help you think through your situation so we can have a productive conversation. Our initial consultations are free, and there's no obligation.